I. Formality
1. Academic writing is more formal than conversation or letter writing.
2. The author writes in the third person.
II. Title Page
1. Academic papers require a title page.
2. Revisions require a fresh date.
3. Title pages are counted in pagination but not numbered.
4. The number on the title page is suppressed using the word processing program.
5. The EDL program does not use running heads.
Example: Sample title page for EDS Assignments
Example: Sample title page for EDL Assignment
III. Organization
1. Papers longer than 10 pages or with more than three major headings require a Table of Contents.
2. This process will also ensure that the column of page numbers is in vertical alignment.
3. First, outline the paper by referring to the instructor’s assignment.
4. Be sure to include all of the concepts required by the assignment.
5. Papers are assembled in the following order:
Title Page
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of Contents
Text
References or Bibliography
Appendices
6. Acknowledgements, Abstract, and Bibliography are used for dissertation documents only
IV. Table of Contents
1. The headings in the Table of Contents should match the major headings in the paper.
2. Use “dot leaders” to run from the heading to the page number to the right.
Example:
Heading One….……………………………………………………………….14
Heading Two………………………………………………………………….28
V. Margins
1. Set your page format function to 1” for top, bottom, left, and right margins so that every page appears the same.
Note: In WORD, click “FILE”, then “PAGE SETUP.” Margin tab will appear.
VI. Pagination
1. Paginate at the top right of every page except the title page.
Note: In WORD, click “INSERT”, then “PAGE NUMBERS.” Use pull down selections to place numbers in proper place.
VII. Headings, Paragraphing, and Spacing
1. The major sections in a paper are set off or organized by headings that clearly identify the nature of the text that follows.
2. Indent at new paragraphs to show the beginning of a new idea or train of thought.
3. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and NEVER let a paragraph run theentire length of a page.
4. Break up long paragraphs into related sections
5. Avoid using “creative” bullets. (Simple round or square black bullets are fine)
6. DO NOT USE BOLDING or COLOR in academic papers. Allow the strength of your ideas toemphasize your points.
7. ALL text is double spaced; INCLUDING above and below headings; EXCEPT within reference entries which are single spaced.
8. Actual documents used as appendices may be single spaced.
VIII. Problem Statement
1. This is the most important sentence in an applied research paper. Itshould be clear and take the form of a declarative statement.
Example:This project intends to address the problem that secondary school principals have in successfully encouraging teachers to implement new technology into classroom curriculum.
IX. Citations
1. The EDL program uses the “author, year” format to identify sources cited in the text.
2. The APA Manual is the chief guide for the format of citations.
3. Each paragraph of text that summarizes or paraphrases ideas from a source other than the authorshould contain a citation acknowledging
that source.
4. Avoid “bald assertions” in the paper that are unsupported.
5. In a literature review, YOU don’t “say” anything. You explain or paraphrase what the literature say and then you give credit to the source.
Example:
Rather than simply stating,“The achievement gap between rich and poor students is increasing.”
You must lead into and support that assertion:“Jones, in a landmark study on the effect social classification has on student learning, reveals that the achievement gap between rich and poor students is increasing (Jones 2004).”
CITATION MACHINE....try this out!
X. References or Bibliography Lists
1. Each citation used in a course paper requires that the author list the complete reference in the list of REFERENCES.
2. A BIBLIOGRAPHY used in dissertation proposals and reports may also contain additional helpful references consulted, but not
specifically mentioned in the text.
3. Always check the citations in the text against the reference list tobe sure each one in the text appears in the REFERENCES page.
4. The APA Manual is the key arbiter of how references such as books, articles, newspaper stories,web sites, and other sources
should appear in the list.
5. Reference entries are single-spaced within the entry and double- spaced between entries.
6. These lists come directly after the text and before the appendices, if any.
XI. Appendices
1. Appendices are used to attach relevant supportive materials that are helpful or illustrative but not important enough to be placed in
tables or figures within the text.
2. They are always referred to in the appropriate place in the text and labeled “A”, “B”, etc. and areattached in order of their
appearance in the material.
3. Letters of support, lists of committees, surveys or questionnaire used, agendas, committee minutes are the types of materials
found in appendices.
4. If you only have ONE APPENDIX, label it “APPENDIX” above its title.
5. If you have MORE THAN ONE APPENDIX, place an intervening sheet entitled “APPENDICES” afterthe references and
label them individually: “Appendix A,” Appendix B,” etc.
XII. Check Formatting Before Submision
The EDL program accepts most papers electronically via e-mail attachments or message attachments in the online course management system. Check your formatting by running down the entire text with the “down arrow” before attaching or uploading. You will discover whether you have “widow” or “orphan” lines or whether you have headings belonging to a subsequent page appearing at the bottom of the previous page. This sometimes happens with appendices.